Top Tent Camping near Pierre, SD

Looking for tent camping near Pierre? Find the best information on tent camping near Pierre, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Pierre, SD (3)


Recent Tent Reviews In Pierre

120 Reviews of 3 Pierre Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from City Campground
    Jul. 28, 2024

    City Campground

    Great for quick night

    We stopped here late at night after getting stuck trying to get to another free site. We were the only ones there. The restroom was clean and the river was quite pretty. A great horned owl slept in the tree above our van.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Richland reservoir dispersed camping
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Richland reservoir dispersed camping

    Note of caution

    We actually never made it to the site. There was a big thunderstorm about an hour before we left the main road to this site. When we turned on to the road leading to this place we got stuck on the road. It seems that the road is clay and when it gets wet it becomes very difficult to travel on. Although the road is flat and level our Ram Van with all-terrain tires got stuck. After 3 hours of placing sticks and other things under our tires we managed to get out. Spent the night in a nice free park in Pierre.

  • Linda H.
    Camper-submitted photo from New Frontier RV Campground
    Jul. 3, 2024

    New Frontier RV Campground

    It's amazing, this was our second time. Owners are friendly and treat you

    This park is awesome,  owners treat you like family.  Very clean,  nice little store,  playground great for kids, shade trees. We stayed in June when heading West. Now in July heading home. If you're looking for a great RV PARK  highly recommend!!!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Okobojo Point Recreation Area
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Okobojo Point Recreation Area

    Secluded area

    Hard to register without appropriate forms (the post was out of envelopes). Odd amount $16.91 for 1 night made for necessary change. Wish they’d make it whole dollars like Federal campgrounds. Several spots to choose from - all first come first serve. It just might be a gem!

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Richland reservoir dispersed camping
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Richland reservoir dispersed camping

    Quiet, peaceful, WINDY!

    We stayed here one night while traveling West. It's a beautiful spot in the middle of the SD prairie. The little lake is pretty and the sunset was amazing. For such an out of the way place it's well taken care of. The whole camping area was recently mowed and as others have said it has a very clean vault toilet. There was only one other camper there on the other side of the tree shelter. Bring your own shade. We arrived on a hot windy day, parked against the trees as wind protection and unfolded the awnings for shade. Around sunset some storms rolled by and the wind kicked up something fierce! We closed up the awnings in a panic and hunkered down. The wind howled all night!!!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Byre Lake Recreation Area
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Byre Lake Recreation Area

    Beautiful park next to a Lake but...

    Beautiful park like setting a short drive from a small town. Campground has garbage service and a vaulted toilet. The toilet was a total disaster, not good, like someone spray painted the toilet with poop. Despite the toilet, I would recommend based on the idelic location.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Byre Lake Recreation Area
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Byre Lake Recreation Area

    free open field with some amenities

    There are two spots here for camping. One spot with primitive "sites" in an open grassy field with no sites that has some firepits (2-3) with no cooking grates, two picnic tables that can be moved and two under a roof on cement. The other spot (see separate dyrt listing) has electric sites that are supposedly $20 per dyrt but I didn't see nor look at how to get those spots (5-6 of them). They were actually looking all full. We set up in the grassy area with unfortunately a big trash bin in the way (hopefully someone moves it to a different spot). People before us had left trash in the firepit (no cooking grate) anyway even though the big bin was 20 ft away. 

    The restrooms are over by the electric sites and were disgusting. It seems bored locals come and trash the place as they had signs about keeping poop in the pits and not on the walls. I was happy we had bikes to get over to the restrooms and we did use the one that wasn't utterly disgusting once for a #2.

    When we woke were in the midst of tons of wind again but some electric site folks had left so we packed up and drove over to one of those sites which are up by some trees and got out of the wind to cook some breakfast and food for the drive. The trees also provided some kindling to get the fire started.

    Overall, OK stay, best for just pitching a tent late and hitting the road early though unless some improvements are made like more firepits and trees in grassy area or you can cook and be totally self contained.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from New Frontier RV Campground
    Sep. 21, 2023

    New Frontier RV Campground

    Wonderful shower pressure

    We were only staying for a night, but we found this campground just fine.

    Plus: amazing hot water and water pressure in the showers. Amazing wifi (best we’ve had available this trip). Most sites had a wooden covered area for the picnic table, which would be very helpful if it rained.

    Con: site wasn’t completely level, showers and bathrooms had curtains only, not doors.

    There were lots of garbage bins. Other reviews mentioned the tired mobile homes near the entrance. They are separated from the RV park by a chain link fence. The RV side is clean and maintained.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from New Frontier RV Campground
    Sep. 20, 2023

    New Frontier RV Campground

    Lovely sunrise!

    We were just there for the night, driving through. We found friendly staff, very clean bathrooms, and a good location, close off I 90, and east walk to a corner store. Would stay here again.

    And, as our dogs woke us early, and the sunrise really was lovely.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oahe Downstream Campground 3
    Sep. 14, 2023

    Oahe Downstream Campground 3

    My favorite campground

    This is one of my favorite campgrounds. The best spots are 194-196. They are back in sites and we have a large window on the back of our camper and get to look at the beautiful river. Great bird watching and lots of bald eagles. The sites are electric only but you can fill water before you come in. Sites are spacious with gravel. There is a picnic bench and fire ring at each site. This campground offers 8 cabins and tent sites also. The grounds and restrooms are kept up well. We came in September so there was hardly anyone around. Very peaceful

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Oahe Downstream Campground 3
    Sep. 13, 2023

    Oahe Downstream Campground 3

    Fantastic state park!

    We are on an east/west/east trip. We were looking for a state park on the water that was on our route. We were so lucky to pick this one. A beautiful state park on Lake Oahe. We lucked out and had a site right on the water. Campsites were big with plenty of room to tie out both of our big dogs. Hubby could walk out of the camper and fish. Campground 3 would be my choice overall as it has a row of sites right along the river. Bathhouse immaculate. Showers great. Good walking paths for humans and dogs and saw many folks cycling. Only downside which couldn’t be helped are all the flies. Take a fly swatter and fly traps/ tape. Days later and down the road we are still finding flies in our camper!

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from River View RV Park
    Sep. 12, 2023

    River View RV Park

    Raised view

    Up a hill is this campground. You can see the town and river down below. We visited in March and it was soooo cold. Didn’t come out of camper except to walk dogs. The grounds were kept up and clean. We did not meet any staff. When we came in our water hookup was frozen so they moved us to a spot where the had a heated cover on water pipe. Didn’t have any issues after.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from River View RV Park
    Aug. 5, 2023

    River View RV Park

    Fantastic View, Great staff

    Lila is an amazing host. She called before we arrived and then texted detailed directions. On arrival we were quickly checked in, given a bag and told to fill up with candy from a wide selection. Halloween! Then we got to our site which has a wonderful view over the Missouri River and the city of Pierre.

  • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Byre Lake Recreation Area
    Jul. 31, 2023

    Byre Lake Recreation Area

    Hidden Gem!

    This place is about as perfect as it gets! Free camping - dispersed so pull up where you want. Or choose a spot with a fire ring and table. 

    Views are OUTSTANDING! You can fish, kayak, hike, etc. Right off highway but very quiet and peaceful. Slept great. 

    They do have toilets (I didn't use them) and they do have a couple electric spots that are $20/night (I didn't use them). 

    Just super easy, super beautiful and a great place to call home for a night or a few. 

    Lots of mozzies at night - so use spray or plan to be in your tent/vehicle once the sun goes down.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from River View RV Park
    Jul. 28, 2023

    River View RV Park

    Excellent Place!!

    Incredible views and even better service. Highly recommend this RV park,bathrooms are very clean and the atmosphere is inviting. The owner,Lila is a joy!

  • Justin H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Byre Lake Recreation Area
    Jul. 8, 2023

    Byre Lake Recreation Area

    Great free tent spots, awesome lake

    This is a fantastic free campsite, not crowded, beautiful views and a wonderful lake.

    The bathrooms are terrible and there is no running water though, so make sure to bring some toilet paper and some hand sanitizer. That said, it's better than nothing!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Fischers Lilly Park
    Oct. 2, 2022

    Fischers Lilly Park

    Quiet spot on the river

    Small campground between a city park and an expo center, is very nice. There are restrooms at the park which is a good walk to get to. The park also has foot bridge to downtown shopping and food.

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from New Frontier RV Campground
    Aug. 13, 2022

    New Frontier RV Campground

    Peace and quiet

    From back-ins to Pull through 110-30-50 amp full hook-ups you will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with trees or if you need a sky view there is that too. Guest service is above and beyond. Shower/bathrooms and laundry room all very clean. Stop in have a cup of coffee and visit with the owner or the host. Have a bag of popcorn as well as ice cream sodas tea

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area

    Beautiful sites

    110-30-50 amp hookups plenty of space between sites. Bathrooms with showers. Playgrounds located throughout the campgrounds. Along the Missouri river. Some sites back into river view. But not a long walk to the beach area. About 10 cabins right on the river. Tent/RV/Cabin camping you will enjoy yourself

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from River View RV Park
    Aug. 9, 2022

    River View RV Park

    Beautiful View

    Once we arrived, we were very happy with our site. Getting there left a bit to be desired. The road to the park is gravel, and the signage doesn't exist!

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from North Shore Recreation Area Army COE Campground
    Aug. 3, 2022

    North Shore Recreation Area Army COE Campground

    North Shore CG

    This is a beautiful spot. Unfortunately some people are disrespectful- broken glass, burnt firecrackers etc, destroyed firepit. Then of course there are the nasty biting flies. Bug spray helped some. I put up the clam screen tent to be rid of the flies. At night there seems to be a lot of road traffic to the popup tent camper a few spots down from me. All in all, it Is peaceful during the day and scenic.



Guide to Pierre

Camping near Pierre, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Fishing: The lakes around Pierre are great for fishing. One camper mentioned, "The lake is full of small Crappie. Lots of wildlife. Deer, antelope, pheasants," while staying at Richland Reservoir Dispersed Camping.
  • Bird Watching: If you love birds, you’ll enjoy spotting bald eagles and other wildlife. A visitor at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area said, "Great bird watching and lots of bald eagles."
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails are available for both hiking and biking. One camper noted, "There are other biking & hiking areas within the area and Pierre SD," while visiting Oahe Downstream Recreation Area.

What campers like

  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the tranquility. A review from Farm Island State Recreation Area highlights, "For such an out of the way place, it’s well taken care of."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained grounds are a big plus. A visitor at New Frontier RV Campground said, "Shower/bathrooms and laundry room all very clean."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the welcoming nature of campground staff. One reviewer at River View RV Park stated, "Lila is an amazing host."

What you should know

  • Weather Conditions: Be prepared for windy days. A camper at Richland Reservoir Dispersed Camping warned, "The wind howled all night!!!"
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Fort Pierre National Grassland, have no drinking water or electric hookups. "No fees, no water, no open fires," mentioned a reviewer.
  • Road Conditions: Access roads can be tricky, especially when wet. A camper shared their experience at Richland Reservoir Dispersed Camping, stating, "The road is clay and when it gets wet it becomes very difficult to travel on."

Tips for camping with families

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be completely level. A reviewer at New Frontier RV Campground pointed out, "Site wasn’t completely level."
  • Good Water Pressure: Many RVers appreciate campgrounds with strong water pressure. One camper at New Frontier RV Campground said, "Amazing hot water and water pressure in the showers."
  • Easy Access to Amenities: Look for campgrounds close to stores and gas stations. A visitor at River View RV Park mentioned, "There’s a gas station at the CG entrance with a good diesel price."

Camping near Pierre, South Dakota, offers a variety of experiences, from fishing and bird watching to enjoying clean facilities and friendly hosts. Just be prepared for the weather and road conditions, and you’ll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pierre, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pierre, SD is Spring Creek State Rec Area with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Pierre, SD?

    TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Pierre, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.